Registered Nurse (RN) Lactation Consultant

Overview

An IBCLC is a professional member of the healthcare team who has earned and maintains the credential which identifies knowledge and expertise in breastfeeding management and care. An individual who holds the credential has met defined
eligibility requirements and passed a rigorous, psychometrically sound exam. Since 1985, the IBCLC credential has provided evidence that as a practitioner, the IBCLC has the required knowledge to:
• Advocate and educate about breastfeeding as a global public health imperative
• Provide leadership for society, from communities to policymakers
• Promote environments that support breastfeeding
• Facilitate an optimal breastfeeding experience for families
• Identify and manage high acuity lactation challenges

An IBCLC works independently and in collaboration to empower mothers, children and
families to meet their breastfeeding goals

This position assesses, plans, implements, evaluates and documents nursing care of patients in accordance with organizational policies and in accordance with standards for professional practice and certification. The position utilizes specialized knowledge, judgment, and nursing skills necessary to assess data and plan, provide and evaluate care appropriate to the physical and developmental age of assigned patients. This position delivers lactation education and provides individualized direct patient and family education. Works in coordination with staff to select and deliver current patient education materials based on identified needs. Provides community and staff education in the specialty area of lactation. Acts as subject matter expert for patients and staff.

About Fairbanks Memorial Hospital
Fairbanks Memorial Hospital is a non-profit facility owned by the Greater Fairbanks Community Hospital Foundation. A Joint Commission-accredited facility with 152 licensed beds, Fairbanks Memorial Hospital is the primary referral center for residents of Alaska's interior. We have a strong patient to nurse ratio and a culture of Shared Leadership. In addition to our exceptional clinical environment, our location offers incomparable lifestyle rewards away from work. In Fairbanks, small-town living, spectacular natural beauty and endless recreation combine to create a one-of-a-kind place to live, work and play.

IBCLC strongly preferred.

Responsibilities

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

1. Assesses patient physical, psychological, social, spiritual, educational, developmental, cultural and discharge planning needs. Reviews patient history and physical with patient/family and assures completion within appropriate timeframe. Reviews available information obtained by other health care team members. Completes assessment and reassessments according to patient need and outlined in policy. 
2. Provides care and works collaboratively with patients, family and staff to formulate individualized lactation plans of care, education and intervention. 
3. Delivers continuing education programs related to lactation. Suggests updates to educational materials based on needs assessment, advances in theory and technology as well as changes in standards of care related to lactation. 
4. Formulates a plan of care, including the discharge plan, utilizing assessment data and patient, family and health team input. Initiates a plan of care based on patient-specific needs, assessment data and the medical plan of care. Goal for patient are realistic, measurable and developed in conjunction with the patient/family. 
5. Implements the plan of care through direct patient care, coordination, delegation and supervision of the activities of the health care team. Provides care based on physician orders and the nursing plan of care, in compliance with policies and procedures, standards of care, and regulatory agency requirements. Promotes continuity of care by accurately and completely communicating to the caregivers the status of patients for whom care is provided. 
6. Evaluates the patient’s and family’s response to care and teaching, and revises the plan of care as needed.  Evaluates patient progress toward goals and expected outcomes in collaboration with other health care team members. Evaluates patient’s response and effectiveness of patient teaching. Provides ongoing support for mothers, newborns and staff related to lactation.  
7. Documents assessments, planning, implementation and evaluation in the patient record. 
8. Provides care based on the best evidence available and may participate in research activities within clinical practice. Participates in unit or facility shared leadership. Interacts and participates in the education, role development, and orientation of facility personnel, patients, students, families and visitors. Promotes/supports growth of others through precepting and mentoring when appropriate. 

Performs all functions according to established policies, procedures, regulatory and accreditation requirements, as well as applicable professional standards. Provides all customers of Foundation Health with an excellent service experience by consistently demonstrating our core and leader behaviors each and every day.

NOTE: The essential functions are intended to describe the general content of and requirements of this position and are not intended to be an exhaustive statement of duties. Specific tasks or responsibilities will be documented as outlined by the incumbent's immediate manager.

Qualifications

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Current RN licensure in state of practice. IBCLC, CLC, CBC or CBS certification required. Current BLS certification required. Neonatal Resuscitation Program (NRP) Certification must be obtained within six months.

Relates throughout the interview process the experience, training and education needed to perform the job.

Must maintain clinical performance competencies.

Pool/per diem positions require a minimum of one year of lactation consultant experience in a WIS environment or setting.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

BSN preferred. One year of experience preferred. Experience in an inpatient WIS environment is preferred.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS/ENVIRONMENT FACTORS

DP - Typical Direct Patient Care environment: (Nutrition Rep, Chaplain, RN)

• Able to stand, walk, bend, squat, reach, and stretch frequently.
• Possess physical agility and adequate reaction time to respond quickly and appropriately to unexpected patient care needs.
• Needs adequate hearing and visual acuity, including adequate color vision.
• Requires fine motor skills, adequate eye-hand coordination, and ability to grasp and handle objects.
• Able to use proper body mechanics to assist patients in ambulating, transferring in and out of bed, chair or wheelchair.
• May be required to lift up to 75 pounds.
• Must use standard precautions due to threat of exposure to blood and bodily fluids.
• Needs ability to communicate effectively through reading, writing, and speaking in person or on telephone.
• May require periodic use of personal computer.

Foundation Health Partners is an EEO/AAP employer; qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability or protected veteran status.

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